NASHUA – All eyes were on Mont Vernon native Alex Preston on Wednesday night as fans piled inside Chunky’s Cinema Pub to see their hometown favorite vie for another round of competition on the hit television show “American Idol.”

Preston, who’s real name is Alex Philbrick, first graced the big screen singing Pink’s “Just Give Me A Reason” as a duet with fellow contestant Jena Irene, which drew cheers and applause from onlookers at Chunky’s.

Among those rooting Preston on Wednesday night was 10-year-old Jake Morrissette, a native of Mont Vernon and Preston’s next door neighbor.

Jake knows Preston as a “cool guy” and expects his neighbor will go all the way in the competition, but Jake said he can’t watch without getting really nervous.

“He’s awesome,” Jake said. “It feels like I’m up there with him because he’s my neighbor.”

Jake attended Wednesday’s “American Idol” showing with his three sisters, who all mirrored Preston’s style by wearing rolled up pants. The siblings also held a sign that said “Mont Vernon Loves You” during the show.

Samantha Philbrick, Preston’s sister, watched her brother perform from the movie theater and said she felt good about his chances this week.

Rendall said she believed Preston had the advantage going into Wednesday night’s two-hour episode because of the show’s format this week, which asked contestants to perform the song they first sang for the judges when trying out for the show.

When Preston tried out for “American Idol,” he performed a self-written song, “Fairytales.”

“I’m only worried because the judges want him to step up,” Rendall said. “That song doesn’t lend itself to that necessarily.”

The “American Idol” results show is Thursday at 9 p.m. on Fox.

Bradford Randall can be reached at 594-6557 or brandall@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow Randall on Twitter (@telegraph_bradr).

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